655-P: Improved Outcomes with Diabetes Devices Using Lower-Literacy Teaching Guides in a Center for Underserved Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Healthcare disparities exist between those in more or less affluent communities. This is particularly true for diabetes devices, where intensive training and follow-up is needed. Materials are generally written at an 11th grade reading level. Further, illustrations generally show low ethnic diversity. To reduce this educational gap, we created lower literacy, English and Spanish, multicultural guides for insulin pen and pump use. Focus groups provided input, nonbranded illustrations were created, and the text was edited by the “Clear Language Group.” Methods: The guides were implemented in our clinic for underserved, largely Hispanic, individuals in East Los Angeles. 47 adults with T1D were included. Subjects were given the low literacy guides and participated in guide driven individual and group education. Measures administered at baseline and 12 months were assessed for normality and independent sample t-tests. A 2-sided alpha of 0.05 was used. Results: Initial A1C was 9.2 +/- 1.97 (SD) with no change over the study course (12-month A1C = 9.3 +/- 1.92). However, patients showed an improved overall self-report of health (p = 0.012), improvement in diabetes knowledge (Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test, p=.004), a reduction in symptoms of depression (PHQ8, p=.042), and diabetes distress (Diabetes Distress Scale, T1D Redeem, p = 0.0123). Though no change in rates of hypoglycemia, a reduction in fear of hypoglycemia (Hypoglycemia Fear Scale, Fear sub-scale, P=0.025) was significant. Additionally, there was a reduction in rates of DKA (0.0108). Time in range was minimal, based on blinded CGM, at baseline (22.4%) and did not change at 12 months (24.0%). CGM data was only available on 25 patients due to patient reluctance to wear the device. Conclusions: Appropriately targeted teaching guides can be used to improve a variety of outcomes in people with T1D, including rates of DKA. However, more work is needed to make a significant impact on glycemic control. Disclosure A.L. Peters: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Bigfoot Biomedical, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, MannKind Corporation, Medscape, Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi US. Consultant; Self; Livongo Health. Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., vTv Therapeutics. Other Relationship; Self; Livongo Health, Mellitus Health, Omada Health, Stability Healthcare, Whole Biome Inc. M.A. Walker: None. V.F. Ruelas: None. Funding The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust